2013 Group Study Exchange Team to England & Wales

Newport Rotarian and past District Governor Bevin Wall presented the program on October 1, 2012 on the topic of the 2013 Group Study Exchange Team to England and Wales. Wall was selected team leader in September to lead the team, that travels in February and March of 2013 to District 1100 including the major English city of Bristol, England.

Wall described the process for selection of team leader, alternate, and then for the composition of the Non-Rotarian Team members, nominated by Rotary clubs from across the district. 4 team members have been selected for this team, plus the Team Leader and alternate. The alternate team leader is Gene McClennon from the South Brunswick Islands Rotary club.

The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.